Preparing for Your First TEFL Job: What to Expect About the Workload

Starting a new teaching job abroad is exciting, but it’s normal to wonder just how exhausting it might be. You’ve got a contract lined up, you’re preparing to move to a new country, and you’re facing a six-day work week for the first time. If you’re feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety, you’re not alone. Many first-time TEFL teachers ask themselves the same questions before they step into the classroom.

Let’s break down the realities of the workload and compare it to what you might already be used to.

6 Days a Week: Is It Really That Bad?

A six-day work week sounds intense on paper, and honestly, it can be tiring. However, the structure is often different from what you’d expect in a Western office job. In many Asian TEFL programs, the working days are full but structured, with clear start and end times. You typically teach a set number of hours per day, and the rest of your time is for lesson planning, grading, or administrative tasks.

The key difference? Your commute is likely to be short. Unlike dragging yourself through a two-hour journey each way, many TEFL teachers in Taiwan live within walking distance or a short scooter ride from their school. That alone can save you four hours of commuting time per day—time you can use to rest, explore, or prepare for your classes.

The “Song and Dance” Factor

Feeling embarrassed about the energetic, sometimes theatrical side of teaching English to young learners is completely normal. Many new teachers dread the idea of acting silly in front of students. The truth is, children respond to energy and enthusiasm. You don’t have to be a professional performer, but you do need to be willing to step outside your comfort zone.

The good news? After your first week, the embarrassment fades. Your students will be too engaged to judge you, and you’ll realize that the “song and dance” is just a tool for learning. Most teachers find this part of the job becomes fun once they let go of self-consciousness.

Physical and Mental Fatigue

Teaching is mentally demanding. You’re constantly thinking on your feet, managing a classroom, and adapting to different energy levels. With a full schedule, you may feel drained by the end of the week. However, this fatigue is different from the burnout of a long, soul-crushing commute.

Your body will adapt to the rhythm. It helps to establish a solid routine: sleep well, eat local food, and take short walks after work. Many teachers also find that having weekends free (even with a six-day week, you often get one full day off) gives them enough time to recharge and explore their new city.

Comparing to Your Current Grind

You’re coming from a job where you wake up at 6 AM and spend four hours commuting each day. That’s a heavy burden. In contrast, a TEFL role with a short commute and a consistent schedule can actually feel less draining, even with the extra teaching day. The change in environment, the novelty of living abroad, and the meaningful interactions with students often provide a refreshing contrast to a grueling commute.

Is It Worth It?

For most teachers, yes. The first few months are challenging as you learn the ropes and adjust to a new culture. But the experience of living in Taiwan, the friendships you’ll build, and the satisfaction of helping students learn are powerful motivators. The job is tiring, but it’s a fulfilling kind of tired.

If you’re worried, know that countless teachers have stood exactly where you are now. They survived, thrived, and often look back on their first year as a transformative experience. You’ve already made the brave decision to go abroad—trust that the hard work will pay off.